Butternut Squash Soup with Miso and Togarashi Seasoning

20/10/201305/02/2017 Moya8 Comments

Cooking with butternut squash brings a little bit of Autumn into my kitchen with its vibrant colour of orange. In Bahrain we do not witness the changing colours of Autumn like other parts of the world, which are quite stunning… but we do have some amazing sunsets. Butternut squash is technically a fruit and I love that it is so versatile to cook with. It’s sweetness pairs well with many flavours and I mostly use butternut squash in savoury dishes and on the odd occasion make pumpkin ice cream.

The recipe for this butternut squash soup is simple and I wanted to spice it up with some Togarashi, a Japanese chilli seasoning. Seasonings are a quick way of adding bursts of flavour to food when used as a table condiment. Deciding to make my own togarashi was inspired by an empty jar of the seasoning that I had and taking note of the ingredients printed on the label. Continue reading “Butternut Squash Soup with Miso and Togarashi Seasoning” →

baking · Food · food + drink · posts

Orange Ricotta Cake with Walnuts

09/09/201304/08/2016 Moya9 Comments

There are times when I prefer baking homely cakes without the added fussiness of rich fillings and toppings. Who can resist a nice thick slice of homemade cake, to be enjoyed anytime of the day with a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, or put into lunch boxes and taken to work. Months have passed since I mentioned in an earlier post that I would share the recipe of a delicious cake I enjoyed while staying at the Tas Otel in Alacati. As the recipe for the orange cake “Lorlu Portakalli Tas Otel Keki” was printed in Turkish, the staff kindly penciled in the english translation. Continue reading “Orange Ricotta Cake with Walnuts” →

Food · food + drink · posts · salads

Baby Spinach Salad with Dates, Oranges, Pomegranate and Feta Cheese with a Spiced Citrus Dressing

01/09/201312/09/2013 Moya4 Comments

When I travel to Ireland and visit family I never feel my visit is quite complete unless I’ve had my day in Dublin. A city that holds many memories, from the time spent as a student at catering college, working various jobs, the meeting of friends and the countless shopping trips. Also, seeking out favourite cafés and restaurants to have a “cup of tea and a bakery bun” or something a little more filling. One place I always love to visit is the mini department store Avoca, almost never leaving empty-handed. I didn’t really need another cookbook… but then again, I must have! A Year at Avoca cookbook is a calendar of the cafés favourite seasonal recipes and my sister says that this is her “feel good cookbook” and I couldn’t agree more. Continue reading “Baby Spinach Salad with Dates, Oranges, Pomegranate and Feta Cheese with a Spiced Citrus Dressing” →